Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that German children have an independent self-concept while Japanese children have an interdependent self-concept. In interviews with 8-year-old Japanese (n=20) and Germans (n=30), girls described themselves as well as two significant others (a best friend and a teacher), and compared themselves with both. The results included the following cross-cultural differences. 1) Both in self- and other-descriptions, the Japanese children produced more interpersonal-oriented utterances than did Germans, and the German children made more individual-oriented utterances. 2) In comparisons between themselves and teachers, Japanese were more inclined to point out common characteristics while Germans emphasized differences. This cultural difference was not seen in children's comparisons with their best friends. 3) German girls expressed a more negative attitude towards identification with other persons than did the Japanese. These results confirmed the original hypothesis. In addition, the object specificity of self/other relationships and the psycho-social implications of the results were discussed with regard to cultural meaning systems.
